Like most movies that fall into the speculative fiction genre,sci-fifilms are often unfairly and harshly criticized by both critics and audiences. While there are plenty of cases when a movie deserves to be panned by viewers, these projects deserve to be reevaluated and, in many instances, have come to be known as cult classics in recent years. Whether this is because of the brilliant performances from the cast, the innovative storytelling, or the unforgettable visuals,these films are fun to revisit and remember in the modern era.
Some of these aresci-fi movies that got a little too weird, initially alienating audiences and making it difficult for them to see the quality of the projects. Or, they were so ambitious and sweeping that they were bogged down by the sheer length of the story they were trying to tell. While some of these films performed well at the box office, most were bombs that were quickly forgotten about, even if they were directed by iconic filmmakers. However, the good news is thatthere’s still plenty of time to rediscover these movies and give them their due.
TheTronfranchise has had a mixed legacy– no pun intended– and the long-awaited sequel,Tron: Legacy, demonstrates the best and worst parts of the series.Years after the originalTronpremiered in 1982, the story was revived in 2010to mixed reactions from audiences and critics. However, there are many reasons whyTron: Legacyis worth revisiting now more than ever. Not only is the series finally getting a third installment, butTron: Legacyis proving to be a hidden cult classic.
WithTron 3on its way, titledTron: Ares, it will be important to remember the biggest plot points from the first two movies, especiallyTron: Legacy, as it’s the most recent. Though the story isn’t groundbreaking, the visuals inTron: Legacymake a strong case for remembering the film for years to come.The filmmakers created a gorgeous, immersive worldthat grabs onto the audience and doesn’t let go.
51%
64%
The director ofGhosts of Mars, John Carpenter, is no stranger to having a film panned by critics and audiences only for it to become an iconic and influential piece of cinematic history.His 1982 project,The Thing, initially suffered the same fate asGhosts of Mars,but the 2001 sci-fi horror movie hasn’t found the same renewed notoriety asThe Thing. However, this shouldn’t stop fans of Carpenter and those interested in the intersection between science fiction and horror from seeking outGhosts of Mars.
Set on Mars in the distant future,Ghosts of Marsfeatures an early performance from John Statham as well as Natasha Henstridge, who serves as one of the primary protagonists. Though it strikes an over-the-top tone,Ghosts of Marshas been praised for its references to the Western genre,as well as its conversations about humanity’s future. Additionally, the action scenes are some of Carpenter’s best and are not to be missed.
Ghosts of Mars (2001)
23%
25%
In another life, we might have seen Taylor Kitsch become one of the best sci-fi action stars of the 2010s, but this wasn’t to be after the critical and box-office failure ofJohn Carter. In many ways,John Carterhad all the makings of the next great sci-fi franchise, with a large budget and a reasonably well-known IP behind it. However,it was difficult to come back from the negative reception that plaguedJohn Carterfrom the first moments of its release.
It’s true thatJohn Carteris bogged down by its heavy-handed attempts to pave the way for sequels and potential spinoffs, but the heart of the narrative is timeless.
John Carteris a2010s box office flop that’s become a cult classic, as today it’s easier to see the merits ofJohn Carterand its sweeping story. It’s true thatJohn Carteris bogged down by its heavy-handed attempts to pave the way for sequels and potential spinoffs, but the heart of the narrative is timeless. Additionally, Kitsch is undoubtedly believable as an action hero, lending much-needed emotional nuance and dedication to the imperfect but delightfully fun plot.
52%
60%
One of the most ambitious additions to the Marvel Cinematic Universe,Eternals,suffered from the weight of its own story and the mounting pressure on Marvel to be original.Eternals, directed by Chloé Zhao, was unlike anything else that the studio had put out and was much more existential than the typical fare of the MCU. The star-studded cast includes Gemma Chan, Kit Harrington, Kumail Nanjiani, Angelina Jolie, and many more, but their familiar faces still fade into their characters successfully.
Eternalsstruggled in a few ways, as it’s a Marvel movie that’s engaged with the larger canon of the franchise, butZhao’s approach as a filmmaker also brings the project closer to an art film.It’s a juxtaposition that was unlike anything audiences and critics had seen. In the long run, this has worked inEternals’s favor, allowing it to age well, but at the time, it turned off viewers who weren’t sure what to expect or mine from the film’s story.
47%
77%
The director ofLifeforce, Tobe Hooper, is best known for his projects within the horror genre,likeThe Texas Chainsaw MassacreandPoltergeist. However, his underrated sci-fi movie,Lifeforce, is a hidden gem that fans of the genre will appreciate.Lifeforceblends sci-fi, fantasy, and horror with fun and exciting results, as it’s based on the 1976 novelThe Space Vampires. While vampires in space is an unexpected premise,Lifeforcepulls it off.
Lifeforcetaps into essential human fears about the stories of vampires and the inherent connection and attraction we feel to the unknown.
There are many hidden elements ofLifeforcethat sci-fi lovers will appreciate, from Patrick Stewart’s supporting role to the tie-ins to historical vampire lore. Though there are campy aspects ofLifeforcethat contributed to its more negative reputation early on, the years have been kind toLifeforce, exposing its positive qualities.Lifeforcetaps into essential human fears about the stories of vampires and the inherent connection and attraction we feel to the unknown.
58%
46%
One of the most underrated additions to Kathryn Bigelow’s filmography,Strange Daysstars Ralph Fiennes and Angela Bassett as the protagonists of this twisting story.It tells a complex, dystopian story that was familiar within the genre landscapeof the 1990s, thoughStrange Dayseasily stands out from the typical sci-fi fare.Strange Daysis an interesting example of a movie that received primarily mixed reviews but never found its place in film history because so few audiences saw the project.
ThoughStrange Dayswasn’t entirely critically panned, it’s faded from memory and isn’t as acclaimed as many of Bigelow’s other works. There were a few critics who praisedStange Daysoutright, but many audiences found weaknesses in the story’s structure, andit’s impossible to ignore thatStrange Dayswas a box office bomb,making only $7,959,751 worldwide (viaBox Office Mojo). Fortunately, this has allowedStrange Daysto be rediscovered in the modern era and be further appreciated today.
69%
73%
Before Keanu Reeves took on the greatest science fiction role of his career, Neo inThe Matrix, he played the titular character inJohnny Mnemonic.The film is a classic ’90s dystopian vision of a technologically advanced futurethat’s come at the cost of freedom and totalitarianism. Full of warnings about the trajectory of the internet and uploading the human brain with computerized data,Johnny Mnemonicexcelled in its cyberpunk aesthetic but failed to succeed as a blockbuster.
In many ways,Johnny Mnemonichelped pave the way forThe Matrixand is an example of Reeves' range as an actor.
However,Johnny Mnemonicwas never meant to be an explosive action thriller but a tense and atmospheric sci-fi project that was more self-aware. In many ways,Johnny Mnemonichelped pave the way forThe Matrixand is an example of Reeves' range as an actor. It’s unsurprising that the movie has become a cult classic and has received some positive reviews in recent years. Compared to some of the soulless sci-fi projects that come out today,Johnny Mnemonicis full of depth and complexity.
20%
31%
Adam Driver leads the cast of65as Mills, an astronaut who crash-lands on Earthin the time of the dinosaurs. Blending elements of space and time travel,65’s twist is fairly obvious and easy to see coming, but that doesn’t make the action and adventure throughout65any less fun to watch. The limited cast includes Driver and a young Ariana Greenblatt, who play off each other well, establishing an emotional father-daughter dynamic and lending depth to the action-oriented story.
Though65struggled to find its audience when it was first released, it’s still one ofAdam Driver’s best movies outside theStar Warsfranchise. Viewing65more like a wild ride full of thrilling action and plenty of dynamic scenes that see Driver battle with visually stunning dinosaurs will help audiences connect with the story.Looking at the prehistoric Earth as part of the larger history of the universeand not just a forgotten past is a great premise that buoys65.
65 (2023)
36%
The brutal, goryEvent Horizonis a sci-fi thriller that leans into horror territory throughout the story. Even when it was first released, audiences agreed that the visuals ofEvent Horizonwere engaging and that the intensity and shock factor of the violence were memorable. However,Event Horizonwas panned for not going deep enough into the essential messagesand existential meanings that the story hinted at. WhileEvent Horizonmight not be the most interrogative film ever, it’s still relentlessly atmospheric.
The stellar ensemble cast is reason enough to watchEvent Horizon,with Laurence Fishburne, Sam Neill, and Jason Isaacs all prominently featured. Even when the narrative dips into melodrama, the actors give their all to their performances and never shy away from the seriousness of the plot.Event Horizonis a classic example of a sci-fi movie that grappled with problems throughout production, leading to box office failure, only to be reevaluated in the modern era for its visionary themes.
35%
62%
Sequels are always difficult to pull off, but the follow-up to the 1987 moviePredatorwas unfairly bombed by critics and audiences alike. Following the unforgettable performance of Arnold Schwarzenegger inPredatorwas a challenge forPredator 2, but this made viewers overlook how well the writers and filmmakers crafted the story.Danny Glover leads the cast as Lieutenant Mike Harrigan,and Glover’s performance shouldn’t be forgotten as a highlight ofPredator 2.
Fortunately, the film’s reputation didn’t kill thePredatorfranchise, as the movies are still a hallmark of thesci-figenre. However, it was likely the difference in tone and storytelling that madePredator 2less of a cultural moment than the original project. Set ten years after the events of the first movie, the aliens themselves were one of the few elements of the story that carried over between both films. As time progressed, the quality and ingenuity ofPredator 2became clear.
29%
44%
